Western Cape Article - South African Vacations

LWANDLEThis true African township lies on the N2 just outside Somerset West on the road to theGarden Route and Hermanus. Lwandle was established in 1958 to house migrant workerswho earned their living in the area. Several recognised tour operators can take you throughthe community and its sites.ART AND CRAFTSArt and Crafts Centre: The centre is in the former beer hall. It encourages local people toexhibit their handiwork and take part in music and theatre productions. The original arts andcrafts works are for sale, a fitting memento of your visit.HISTORY AND ARCHITECTUREHostel 33: This was one of the original dwellings in the township and has not been upgraded,so that visitors can see how early migrant workers lived.Lwandle Migrant Labour Museum: The exhibits in the museum in the former community hallshow the conditions under which migrant workers lived over the years.Township Walk: The walk will show visitors the transformation of Lwandle, from hostels formigrant workers to a community trying to establish a more prosperous permanent life forthemselves. The route includes the Museum, Hostel 33, the Hector Peterson Library, theTown Square and several shops and homes.MACASSARThe Muslim faith is alive and well in the Western Cape and regular pilgrimages areundertaken to Macassar where one of the kramats (shrines) of this faith is located.HISTORY AND ARCHITECTURESheik Yusuf Kramat: Sheik Yusuf is considered to be one of the founders of the Muslim faithin South Africa and his last resting place is found on the farm Zandvliet. The Dutch exiled himfrom his home in Batavia in 1694. He died on the farm in 1699 and his kramat is visited bythousands of Muslims every year.SIR LOWRY’S PASSIf the original inhabitants of this village were to visit it today, they would not find it muchchanged. A tar road and a few brick buildings have been added but the atmosphere remainsthe same. Forgotten by time and untouched by progress, the town exudes an old-world charmand the feeling of having stepped back into time. The village population consists mainly of theso-called “coloured” people of the Western Cape and the warm welcoming smiles on theirfaces ensure us of their pleasure at receiving visitors.The village had its origin in 1890 when the railway line was extended from Somerset West tothe foot of the pass.72